Robotic Gloves translate sign language into audible speech
According to a 2017 study, there are more than 1 million people in the U.S. who are completely hearing-impaired, and another 10 million who are extremely hard of hearing.
For years, engineers have explored various ways to translate sign language into audible speech and vice-versa. Now, a new project from MIT may have just solved this massive problem with a prototype device called ‘SignAloud‘–an experimental device that reads sign language and translates its motions into audible speech.
‘SignAloud‘ uses advanced algorithms to processes hundreds of sign language motions into an electronic voice.
“SignAloud uses advanced algorithms to processes hundreds of sign language motions into an electronic voice.”
According to the developers, the most difficult part of the project was sampling a database of sign language images, which included about 200 to 300 images per sign. The team is hoping to continue the project and is looking for partners to turn it from a prototype into a fully functioning product. The prototype earned first place among student projects at the American Society of Engineering Education annual conference.
The research team expects to have a mobile app available at the end of 2019 for further interactivity. The mobile app could allow hearing impaired or mute individuals to have real time conversations over mobile devices and other streaming platforms. This is fantastic technology removing communication barriers for millions of people.
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